2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards: Kendrick Lamar Dominates, Sexxy Red Takes The Stage, An Epic Cypher Battle & More

The recent premiere of the 2023 Hip-Hop BET Awards captivated viewers with electrifying performances and well-deserved honors. Hosted by Fat Joe, this year’s awards focused on celebrating the influential DJs and producers who have revolutionized the hip-hop genre.

Sexyy Red, Kendrick Lamar


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Top Highlights From The 2023 Hip-Hop BET Awards

The 2023 Hip-Hop BET Awards, hosted by Fat Joe, premiered on Tuesday night, Oct. 10, featuring electrifying performances and the recognition of well-deserving artists. 

In the lead-up to the award show, 21 Savage and Cardi B stood out as they were leading the nominations, with the “Bank Account” rapper claiming multiple wins, including “Best Duo” alongside Drake and “Hip-Hop Album Of The Year” for their collaboration, Her Loss

Unfortunately, the Bronx sensation did not secure any wins during last night’s award show. Here are more top noteworthy highlights from the 2023 Hip-Hop BET Awards:

Kendrick Lamar’s Dominance

As the 2023 Hip-Hop BET Awards unfolded, Kendrick Lamar emerged as the undeniable star of the night. 

The acclaimed rapper took home four prestigious BET Hip-Hop Awards, solidifying his position as a lyrical genius. The “HUMBLE” rapper won the titles of “Lyricist Of The Year,” “Best Live Performer,” “Video Director Of The Year,” and the ultimate accolade, “Hip-Hop Artist Of The Year.” 

Unforgettable Performances

The 2023 Hip-Hop BET Awards were filled with one captivating performance after another. The night started with a high-energy collaboration between rapper DaBaby and Sexyy Red, with their remixed hit, “SHAKE SUMN.”

The controversial rapper later surprised the crowd by performing his newest single, “GHETTO GIRLS,” featuring Juvenile and Mannie Fresh intertwining “Project Chick.” Sexyy Red also commanded the stage, delivering an interactive performance of her top singles, ‘PoundTown,’ ‘Shake Yo Dreads,’ and ‘SkeeYee.’ 

City GirlsJT and Yung Miami added to the excitement, where the “Queens Mix” collaborator granted her solo single, “No Bars,” with Yung Miami joining her to perform their newest single, “Face Down.” The popular podcast host also snagged a win for her talk show Caresha, Please for “Best Hip Hop Platform.” 

So So So Def 30th Anniversary

The 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards paid tribute to the legendary Jermaine Dupri and his record label, So So Def, on its 30th anniversary. 

The iconic producer curated a creative 11-minute performance, transporting the audience back to his childhood room, and kicking off the set with his famous track ‘Jump’ by Kriss Kross

Joined by Ludacris, Lil Jon, Bonecrusher, Nelly, Chingy, Tyrese, Dem Franchize Boyz, Da Brat, and Bow Wow, Jermaine Dupri reminded everyone of the timeless impact of his music.

Intense BET Cypher Battle

One of the most anticipated moments of the award show was the BET Cypher Battle, featuring emerging rap artists like Maiya The Don, That Mexican OT, Lanell Grant and more. 

Timbaland and Swizz Beatz curated two teams, each striving to claim the coveted Cypher Title. Tim’s team, consisting of Gloss Up, Lola Brooke, Lady London, and Bun B, showcased their exceptional skills and mesmerizing flows. 

On Swizz’s team, Scar Lip, FoggieRaw, Cassidy, and Symba delivered equally impressive performances. 

Fans shared their opinions, with one user writing, “This was the best cypher all night! Lola Brooke, Lady London, Gloss, and Bun B!” Another user wrote, “Timbaland won his cypher”

Honoring Hip-Hop Legends

The 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards paid homage to the influential DJ and producer Marly Marl with the prestigious “I Am Hip Hop Award.” Marly Marl received recognition for his contributions to the hip-hop scene, with artists like Roxanne Shante and Eminem praising his influence. 

The legendary Rakim and LL Cool J delivered a tribute performance, captivating the audience with iconic hits like “Eric B. Is President,” “Paid In Full,” “Jingling Baby,” and “Mama Said Knock You Out.” 

Swizz Beatz and Timbaland were also honored with LL Cool J’s “Rock The Bells Cultural Influence Awards,” highlighting their significant impact on hip-hop culture, including them being the VERZUS founders. 

Epic Closing Performance

To wrap up the award show on a high note, DJ Drama brought rap icons Jeezy, T.I., and Fabolous to the stage. Fab kicked off the closing performance with his hit song “You Be Killin Em,” setting the stage for an unforgettable finale. 

The Atlanta rapper followed, delivering an electric performance with cult classics like “Dope Boyz” and “Rubber Band Man.” Jeezy joined the lineup with his iconic track ‘Trap or Die, closing out the annual event.

Updated By: Yasmine Duhé (10/11/23 at 4:23 pm)

Sexyy Red, Offset, DaBaby & More Set To Rock The Stage At The 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards

The 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards is gearing up for a star-studded night as they announce performances by Sexyy Red, Offset, and DaBaby. This year’s ceremony will also commemorate the 30th anniversary of the influential So So Def Recordings label, uniting hip-hop legends for an unforgettable celebration.

In an exciting update on September 27, the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards revealed that Sexyy Red, Offset, and Da Baby will be among the performers at the highly anticipated event. Additionally, the show will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic So So Def Recordings label, reuniting legendary artists like Bow Wow, Da Brat, Bone Crusher, and Jermaine Dupri.

Excitement over the event has been building on social media, with fans expressing their enthusiasm on Instagram. 

One fan commented, “Ooh yeahhhh. My favorite award show,” while another eagerly declared, “I’ll be tuned in.” The anticipation is high, and fans can’t wait to witness the incredible performances and electrifying moments that the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards will bring.

What Else Should Attendees Expect?

Alongside the thrilling performances, O.G. DJs Kid Capri and Kool DJ Red Alert will be in attendance, possibly leading to an epic DJ Battle, while Timbaland and Swizz Beatz will produce exhilarating battle cyphers. Take advantage of the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards, set to take place on Tuesday, October 10th at 9/8c.

Updated By: Kynedei Iman Hobbs (9/28/23 at 5:22 pm)

Fat Joe Returns To Host 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards

Fat Joe will be returning as the host for the 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards after previously hosting the show in 2022. As a co-executive producer for the awards, the New York rap legend aims to make the event as entertaining as possible. 

Fat Joe Returns

Shortly after the nominees were announced, it was revealed that Fat Joe will be returning to host the 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards. In a statement shared on BET’s official website, the “Lean Back” rapper expressed his pride in being a part of the show again and promised to make it a legendary night of music and entertainment:

“Hip hop is my life, and I’m extremely proud to return as host of ‘BET Hip Hop Awards’ 2023,” Fat Joe said. “We’re going to make this year’s award show even bigger while also celebrating our hip-hop stars and pioneers in a spectacular way. It’s going to be a legendary night of music and entertainment and you’re not going to want to miss it.”

On October 3, 2023,  the awards will be taped at the Cobb Energy Center in Atlanta. The highly anticipated premiere will air on October 10 at 9 p.m. EST. 

Cardi B & 21 Savage Dominate The 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards Nominations

The 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards nominations have officially been announced, with Cardi B and 21 Savage leading the pack. The upcoming awards ceremony will celebrate the best of hip-hop and highlight the significant presence of women in the genre.

Updated By: Chris Samuel (9/15/23 at 2:20 pm)

Cardi B & 21 Savage Lead The Pack

Cardi B and 21 Savage are leading the upcoming 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards with 12 nominations each. Both artists have received nominations in categories such as “Best Live Performer,” “Lyricist of the Year,” “Hip-Hop Artist of the Year,” “Best Collaboration,” and more. 

The two chart-topping artists are followed by Coi Leray, GloRilla, Latto, and Megan Thee Stallion, all of whom have significantly impacted the hip-hop industry.

The 2023 BET Awards

The BET Hip Hop Awards have become known for their extravagant events, but this year’s ceremony host has yet to be announced. Past hosts have included Fat Joe and the 85 South Show team. 

The awards show will be taped in Atlanta on October 3 and will premiere on BET on October 10.

Connie Orlando, BET’s EVP specials, music programming & music strategy, stated In a press release from Paramount:

“This year’s BET Hip Hop Awards will mark the culmination of our year-long celebration of hip-hop’s storied creation and the art form’s sonic and cultural expansion. We are honored by this year’s roster of nominees as they continue to carry the creativity and diversity of hip hop into the future. We congratulate each nominee on their accomplishments as they take hip hop artistry to new heights.”

Drake, DJ Khaled & More Nominated

Notable nominees include Drake with nine nominations, Burna Boy and DJ Khaled with seven nominations each, J. Cole, Jay-Z, and Kendrick Lamar. The awards will also feature international artists in the category of “Best International Flow.”

Fans will have the opportunity to vote for certain categories, such as “DJ of the Year,” “Producer of the Year,” and “Best Hip-Hop Platform” on the BET website.

Going ‘Bongos’

In related news, Cardi B recently teamed up with Megan Thee Stallion to perform their newest collaboration, “Bongos,” at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards on Tuesday, September 12. 

As for 21 Savage, the Atlanta rapper along with frequent collaborator  Drake showcased dominance in their nominations at the 2023 BET Awards that took place June 25, 2023. Cardi B was also amongst other notable artists that were nominated. 

Nicki Minaj For the VMAs

Speaking of awards, Nicki Minaj was at the forefront of the 2023 Video Music Awards, having secured five remarkable nominations. The Queen of Rap was also the host, where she graced the stage with a performance of her brand-new track, “Last Time I Saw You.”

Originally Written By: Kelci Brown

  • Yasmine Duhé

21 SavageCardi BFat Joe



Written by Yasmine Duhé

Yasmine Duhé, a Louisiana native, has always harbored a deep passion for music. She possesses a fervent love for creating and producing imaginative content that can be enjoyed by all.

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